The comment generated around 32,000 complaints, directed to the BBC and TV regulator Ofcom, and Clarkson later apologised.

Speaking to the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Thompson defended Clarkson, saying: ‘Were we to sack him for saying something pretty stupid that would set precedents that mean a lot of people would never get to broadcast.

‘Although clearly he’s a polarising figure for the BBC, there are many millions of people who enjoy and support Jeremy Clarkson.

‘That has to be balanced against a couple of flippant remarks in one programme.’

Labour MP Jim Sheridan told the BBC bosses that Clarkson ‘is a luxury you cannot afford’, but corporation chairman Lord Patten described the presenter as one of the UK’s ‘leading cultural exports’.

It is not the first time Clarkson’s remarks have landed him in hot water, having made disparaging comments about Mexicans on an episode of Top Gear back in February.